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NZ consumers pay more for iPhone 5 contracts

A new price comparison analysis has revealed New Zealand consumers are lumbered with some of the most expensive iPhone 5 service plans in the global smartphone marketplace.

Comparison website WhistleOut, analysed plans from New Zealand, the USA, Australia and the UK and converted the results into NZ dollars.

The research reveals that Kiwis are often paying much more than international users for the iPhone 5 on contracts.

“Our data shows that NZ entry level iPhone 5 contracts are significantly higher than those available in both Australia and the UK," says Cameron Craig, WhistleOut’s director.

"NZ consumers will pay a minimum of NZ$1,865 for the cheapest entry level Telecom NZ Smartphone $39 plan over 24 months, while Aussies on a Virgin Mobile Australia plan pay just NZ$1,432 and Brits on T-Mobile pay only NZ$1,574.”

“When comparing iPhone 5 plans with a minimum of 400 minutes talk-time per month, the UK carrier O2 was revealed as the leader with a contract cost of NZ$1,173, more than double the offer from Vodafone NZ at $2,681.

"Across the pond, Vodafone in Australia only charges NZ$1,828, which is NZ$852 cheaper than the equivalent NZ offering from the same brand."

WhistleOut also looked at the needs of big data users and compared the prices of each country’s most expensive iPhone 5 plans with a minimum of 4GB of data per month.

“To get a minimum of 4GB data per month and an iPhone 5, this will cost NZ$1,754 in the UK compared to a whopping $3,840 in NZ for 4GB per month, which is accessed by combining the $140 per month Vodafone NZ smartphone plan with a 1GB bolt-on package for an extra $20 per month," Cameron says.

"Unlimited data options are available in the US and UK for iPhone plans, however restrictions on tethering access can apply.

"Unfortunately New Zealanders and Australians are yet to enjoy an unlimited data plan offer in the mobile market, yet an iPhone 5 plan with 4GB of data is still considerably cheaper in Australia (NZ$1,128) than in New Zealand."